Kashi Ropeway: A New Aerial Experience in the Spiritual City
Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is all set to welcome a modern marvel that promises to redefine urban travel. The Kashi Ropeway, India’s first public urban cable car system, is being developed to ease traffic, reduce pollution, and offer a new way to experience the sacred city from above.
This unique initiative will provide both pilgrims and tourists with a faster, smoother, and scenic route across some of the busiest areas of Varanasi.
Overview of the Kashi Ropeway Project
The Kashi Ropeway is a 3.75 km-long cable car system connecting five key locations:
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Varanasi Cantt Railway Station
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Kashi Vidyapith
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Rath Yatra
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Girja Ghar
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Godowlia Chowk
Once operational, it will significantly reduce travel time between the Cantt station and Godowlia—from about 45 minutes by road to just 15 minutes by ropeway.
Key Features
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Total length: 3.75 kilometers
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Number of stations: 5
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Estimated daily capacity: Around 96,000 passengers
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Cabins: Over 150, with seating for up to 10 passengers each
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Frequency: One cabin every 90 seconds
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Operating hours: Approximately 16 hours per day
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Travel time: Approximately 15–16 minutes end-to-end
Current Status
As of mid-2025, three of the five stations (Cantt, Kashi Vidyapith, and Rath Yatra) are ready, and trial runs are underway. The remaining two stations are facing delays due to land-related and environmental concerns.
Despite minor hold-ups, the full ropeway system is expected to be operational by August 2025.
How Travelers and Pilgrims Will Benefit
The ropeway is a major step toward making travel in Varanasi more accessible, faster, and tourist-friendly. Here’s how it can enhance your experience:
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Save time by avoiding congested roads
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Enjoy a peaceful, crowd-free journey to central destinations
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Witness beautiful aerial views of the city
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Travel in a clean and eco-friendly mode of transport
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Ideal for elderly pilgrims, families, and first-time visitors
Sample Travel Plan Using the Ropeway
Option 1: Quick Temple Visit
Arrive at Varanasi Cantt, board the ropeway to Godowlia, and walk to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. You can attend the Ganga Aarti or take a boat ride before heading back.
Option 2: Day Tour
Start your day at Kashi Vidyapith station. Visit nearby historical and cultural spots, then take the ropeway to explore local markets near Rath Yatra and Godowlia. End your day at the ghats with a sunset view.
Things to Know
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The Kashi Ropeway is part of the Parvatmala project by the Government of India.
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It is designed to ease movement for both locals and tourists in one of the most congested areas of the city.
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The ropeway is built using world-class cable car technology used in countries like Switzerland and Colombia.
Why It Matters
The ropeway will change the way visitors explore Varanasi. It combines the city's traditional heritage with modern, smart transport. Once operational, it will become a landmark in itself, offering an unforgettable experience of the holy city from above.
Plan Your Trip with Shiva Kashi Travels
Shiva Kashi Travels will soon be offering special packages that include ropeway travel, temple visits, guided tours, and river activities. Whether you're a pilgrim or a tourist, our local expertise ensures that you get the best experience in Varanasi.
To know more or plan your customized ropeway-integrated journey, get in touch with us through our contact page.
Conclusion
The Kashi Ropeway is more than a mode of transportation—it's a gateway to experiencing the soul of Varanasi in a new way. With its launch expected soon, this project will make travel in the spiritual capital of India faster, cleaner, and more memorable.
